PEERS®: Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (ONLINE)
Unlock the power of social connection and friendship with PEERS®, run by our Behaviour Consultant!
PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) stands as a groundbreaking social skills intervention program originating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Its primary mission is to enhance the quality of friendships and augment social skills among individuals who fall within the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Created with the profound understanding that social interactions can be particularly challenging for those on the autism spectrum, PEERS® adopts a comprehensive approach to foster meaningful connections and facilitate smoother social interactions. This innovative program is grounded in research conducted by Laugeson and her colleagues in 2009. The researchers recognized the necessity for tailored interventions that address the unique social needs of individuals with ASD.
Parents/Caregivers will be asked to join for 15-30 minutes each session
Parents/Caregiver participation in the PEERS® program is invaluable, as their involvement plays a pivotal role in maximizing the effectiveness and long-term success of their child’s social skill development. By engaging in the program alongside their children, parents become active partners in the journey to enhance social interactions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Key items taught in the PEERS® program:
Basic Social Skills:
• Initiation of conversations (starting conversations, introducing oneself)
• Maintenance of conversations (asking questions, active listening)
• Appropriate use of verbal and nonverbal cues (eye contact, tone of voice, gestures)
Understanding Social Cues:
• Recognizing and interpreting facial expressions and body language
• Understanding sarcasm, humor, and figurative language
• Identifying emotions in oneself and others
Friendship Building:
• Identifying potential friends and peers
• Navigating the stages of friendship (acquaintance, casual friend, close friend)
• Organizing and participating in social events and activities
Conflict Resolution:
• Handling disagreements and conflicts effectively
• Developing compromise and negotiation skills
• Respecting boundaries and personal space
Online and Digital Interactions:
• Understanding appropriate behavior in online communication
• Differentiating between virtual and face-to-face interactions
Role-Playing and Practice:
• Engaging in simulated social situations to practice skills
• Receiving feedback and guidance on improving interactions
• Gaining confidence through repeated practice
Generalization and Application:
• Transferring learned skills to real-life social settings
• Overcoming anxiety and fear in social situations
• Incorporating social skills into daily routines and activities
Family Support and Involvement:
• Providing parents and caregivers with insights into program teachings
• Enabling a consistent approach to social skill development at home
• Strengthening the participant’s support network for long-term success
Problem-Solving Strategies:
• Developing strategies for unexpected social challenges
• Building resilience and adaptability in social situations
• Applying critical thinking to navigate diverse social scenarios
Emotional Regulation:
• Understanding and managing emotional responses
• Coping with frustration, disappointment, and sensory sensitivities
• Promoting self-awareness and self-care strategies
These are some of the fundamental aspects covered within the PEERS® program, designed to empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders to thrive in social interactions and form meaningful connections. The program’s comprehensive curriculum aims to equip participants with a robust toolkit for navigating a wide range of social situations and promoting overall well-being.
This group will be run by our Behaviour Consultant for 1.5 hours, every Thursday for 14 weeks starting: October 3, 2024 to January 2, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
The cost of this group is $1750.00.
Ages: 13-18
* Before confirming admission into the group, individuals will undergo a pre-screening assessment to evaluate group readiness.
Families have the option to pay privately or apply their Autism funding to this group